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Why Do I Get Stuck Starting Tasks?

Lesson Plan

Unlocking Task Start Secrets

Teachers will identify common barriers to task initiation in students, particularly those with special needs, and learn whole-class strategies to foster a supportive environment where all students can confidently begin tasks.

Understanding and addressing task initiation difficulties helps teachers create an inclusive and effective learning environment. When students feel equipped to start tasks, it reduces anxiety, increases engagement, and promotes academic success for everyone.

Audience

Teachers

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, practical strategies, and collaborative brainstorming.

Materials

Whiteboard or chart paper, Markers, Overcoming The First Step, Task Barrier Brainstorm, and My Task Initiation Toolkit

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up: Why Do We Get Stuck?

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion: "Think about a time you felt stuck starting a task. What was it? Why was it hard to begin?"
    - Introduce the lesson objectives using the Overcoming The First Step slide deck (Slide 1-2).
    - Explain that this session will help them understand student task initiation challenges and equip them with strategies.

Step 2

Exploring Barriers: The Brainstorm

15 minutes

  • Transition to Slide 3: "Common Task Initiation Barriers."
    - Divide teachers into small groups (3-4 people).
    - Distribute the Task Barrier Brainstorm activity sheet.
    - Instruct groups to brainstorm and list as many reasons as they can why students, especially those with special needs, might struggle to start tasks.
    - Circulate to facilitate discussion and provide prompts as needed.

Step 3

Sharing & Discussing Barriers

10 minutes

  • Bring the groups back together.
    - Ask each group to share 1-2 key barriers they identified. Record these on a whiteboard or chart paper, clustering similar ideas.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion on the common themes and specific examples (Slide 4).

Step 4

Strategies for Success: The Toolkit

15 minutes

  • Present Slides 5-8 from the Overcoming The First Step slide deck, introducing various whole-class strategies for improving task initiation (e.g., breaking down tasks, visual schedules, clear expectations, choice, positive reinforcement).
    - For each strategy, invite teachers to share how they currently implement it or how they could implement it in their classrooms.

Step 5

Personal Reflection & Commitment

10 minutes

  • Distribute the My Task Initiation Toolkit worksheet.
    - Ask teachers to individually complete the toolkit, reflecting on 1-2 strategies they will commit to trying or strengthening in their classrooms.
    - Encourage them to think about specific students or tasks where these strategies might be most beneficial.
    - Conclude by emphasizing the importance of a proactive and supportive approach to task initiation.
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Slide Deck

Why Do I Get Stuck Starting Tasks?

Understanding and supporting student task initiation.

Today's Goal:

  • Identify common barriers to starting tasks.
  • Explore effective whole-class strategies.
  • Build a 'Task Initiation Toolkit' for your classroom!

Welcome teachers and introduce the topic of task initiation. Share a personal anecdote about struggling to start a task to build rapport.

The Importance of Getting Started

Starting is often the hardest part!

  • Reduces Anxiety: Less stress when tasks feel manageable.
  • Increases Engagement: Students are more likely to participate.
  • Boosts Confidence: Success builds self-efficacy.
  • Promotes Independence: Equips students with vital life skills.

Reiterate the importance of this topic for all students, especially those with special needs. Emphasize that feeling stuck is a common experience.

Common Task Initiation Barriers

Let's brainstorm!

  • What makes it hard for students to start a task?
  • Think about different types of students and different types of tasks.
  • Consider academic, social, and emotional factors.

(Activity: Task Barrier Brainstorm)

Transition into the brainstorming activity. Explain that they will work in groups to think about why students struggle.

Unpacking the Barriers

What did your groups discover?

  • Overwhelm: Too much to do, unclear expectations.
  • Fear of Failure: Perfectionism, avoidance.
  • Lack of Interest: Task feels irrelevant or boring.
  • Processing Difficulties: Trouble understanding instructions.
  • Executive Function Challenges: Organization, planning, working memory.

Facilitate a discussion after the group brainstorm. Record common themes on the board. Acknowledge the complexity of the issue.

Strategy 1: Clear Expectations & Structure

Make the path obvious and predictable.

  • Visual Schedules: "First, then" boards, daily routines.
  • Step-by-Step Instructions: Break down complex tasks.
  • Checklists: Provide a visual guide for completion.
  • Clear Rubrics: Students know what success looks like.

Introduce the first category of strategies: Clear Expectations. Provide examples and ask for teacher input.

Strategy 2: Choice & Relevance

Empower students and connect to their world.

  • Offer Choices: "Which task first?" or "How will you show your learning?"
  • Connect to Interests: Link tasks to student passions.
  • Explain 'Why': Help students understand the purpose of the task.
  • Real-World Application: Show how skills are used outside the classroom.

Introduce the second strategy: Choice and Relevance. Discuss how student agency can boost initiation.

Strategy 3: Breaking It Down

Small steps lead to big accomplishments.

  • Chunking: Divide long tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
  • Timers: Work for a set time, then take a short break.

Discuss how breaking tasks down makes them less daunting. Give practical examples.

Strategy 4: Positive Reinforcement & Support

Celebrate effort and progress, not just perfection.

  • Specific Praise: "I noticed you started right away!"
  • Growth Mindset Language: "You're making progress!"
  • Peer Support: Encourage collaboration and mutual encouragement.
  • Teacher Check-ins: Offer help at the starting line.

Emphasize positive reinforcement and a growth mindset. Discuss the power of encouragement.

Your Task Initiation Toolkit

What strategies will you add to your teaching practice?

  • Reflect on today's discussion and strategies.
  • Choose 1-2 strategies to try or strengthen in your classroom.
  • Think about a specific student or task where these could help.

(Activity: My Task Initiation Toolkit)

Introduce the final reflection activity. Encourage teachers to think about what they can implement immediately.

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Activity

Task Barrier Brainstorm

Instructions: In your groups, brainstorm as many reasons as you can why students might get stuck starting a task. Think about different types of learners, different subjects, and different kinds of tasks. Consider academic, emotional, and environmental factors.

Why do students get stuck starting tasks?































Discussion Points (for after brainstorming):

  • Which barriers do you see most often in your classroom?
  • Do certain types of students (e.g., those with special needs) experience particular barriers more frequently?
  • How might these barriers impact student learning and confidence?
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Worksheet

My Task Initiation Toolkit

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________

Reflect on the strategies we discussed today. Which strategies resonate with you the most, and which ones do you think would be most effective in your classroom?

Strategy 1: I will try/strengthen...

Description of the Strategy:







How I will implement this strategy in my classroom (be specific!):












Which students or tasks might benefit most from this strategy?







Strategy 2: I will try/strengthen...

Description of the Strategy:







How I will implement this strategy in my classroom (be specific!):












Which students or tasks might benefit most from this strategy?







My

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Why Do I Get Stuck Starting Tasks? • Lenny Learning